We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Quantifying environmental emissions of microplastics from urban rivers in Melbourne, Australia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in four Melbourne rivers flowing into Port Phillip Bay, finding an average of 9 microplastics per liter with polyamide and polypropylene among the most common polymers detected across all sampling sites.
This study aims to understand the amount and type of microplastics flowing into Port Phillip Bay from urban rivers around Melbourne. Water samples were collected from the Patterson, Werribee, Maribyrnong, and Yarra Rivers, which contribute 97 % to the total flow into Port Phillip Bay. On average, the rivers contained a mean of 9 ± 15 microplastics/L and ranged from 4 ± 3 microplastics/L (Patterson) to 22 ± 11 microplastics/L (Werribee). Of the eight polymers investigated, polyamide and polypropylene were the most frequently detected polymers. Using the mean concentration of each river, the flow of microplastics into Port Philip Bay was estimated to be 7.5 × 106 microplastics per day and 3.7 × 1010 microplastics per year. To fully understand the fate and transport of microplastics into Port Phillip Bay, this study would be the foundation for a more in-depth investigation. Here, further samples will be collected at more points along the river and at the midpoint of each season.
More Papers Like This
Variation in polymer types and abundance of microplastics from two rivers and beaches in Adelaide, South Australia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found significantly higher microplastic abundance and polymer diversity in sediments from the urbanized Patawalonga creek compared to less urbanized sites near Adelaide, Australia, with most detected microplastics derived from recyclable products, indicating inadequate recycling as a key pollution driver.
Microplastic emission characteristics of stormwater runoff in an urban area: Intra-event variability and influencing factors
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic emission characteristics in urban stormwater runoff from industrial and residential catchments. Microplastics were detected in concentrations of 54 to 639 particles per liter, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the dominant polymers and fragments the most common shape, and concentrations were higher after longer dry periods.
Microplastic emission characteristics of stormwater runoff in an urban area: Intra-event variability and influencing factors
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that stormwater runoff from both industrial and residential urban catchments contained substantial microplastics (54–639 particles per liter), with polypropylene and polyethylene dominating, and that microplastic concentrations peaked early in rain events following longer dry periods.
Occurrence, abundance, and distribution of microplastics pollution: an evidence in surface tropical water of Klang River estuary, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic abundance, size, shape, and polymer type in surface water of the Klang River estuary in Malaysia — a highly urbanized waterway — finding concentrations among the highest reported in Southeast Asian estuaries, with industrial packaging materials and synthetic textiles as the dominant sources.
Abundance, distribution patterns, and identification of microplastics in Brisbane River sediments, Australia
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found throughout Brisbane River sediments in Australia, with concentrations, shapes, and polymer types varying with proximity to urban areas and river flow patterns. The study provides baseline contamination data for one of Australia's major subtropical rivers and identifies priority areas for pollution management.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.